creed

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a brief authoritative formula of religious belief

the Nicene Creed

2

: a set of fundamental beliefs

also : a guiding principle

Never settle for mediocrity is his creed.

—Jill Lieber

creedal adjective

or credal

ˈkrē-dᵊl 

Synonyms

• credo
• doctrine
• dogma
• gospel
• ideology
• idealogy
• philosophy
• testament

Examples of creed in a Sentence

central to the creed of this organization of medical volunteers is the belief that health care is a basic human right

the Amish live by a strict creed that rejects many of the values and practices of modern society

Recent Examples on the Web

Under Islamic law, a Muslim woman can legally marry any man who is willing to publicly profess the Islamic creed. —Shadi Hamid, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024

They are fixated on fairness, blind to race or creed. —Zach Przystup, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 2024

New York’s Constitution already bans discrimination based on race, color, creed or religion. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 7 May 2024

Wearing navy-blue jackets, students from Cochise, Greenlee and Gila counties huddled in a corner waiting to be called and recite the creed. —Shaun McKinnon, The Arizona Republic, 6 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English crede, from Old English crēda, from Latin credo (first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds), from credere to believe, trust, entrust; akin to Old Irish cretid he believes, Sanskrit śrad-dadhāti

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

creed

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a statement of the basic beliefs of a religious faith

2

: a set of guiding principles or beliefs

Etymology

Middle English crede "creed," from Old English crēda (same meaning), from Latin credo, literally, "I believe" (used as the first words in many creeds), from credere "to believe, trust, entrust" — related to credentials, credit, incredible